I've been reading around for the last few weeks and I have to thank you for the wealth of Escalade related information ... and it's also nice I see some familiar faces. I've been expressing most of my nonsense over the last few years on TYF and hidplanet under the username soulsea, and greenhybrid under the username HyHoe.

- 12/13 Premium liftgate applique
- And if there's money left i might at some point tackle the 12/13 premium rear dual exhaust bumper.

That's it for now, and thanks again for all the info.

Cheers!

Serge

MrHolland

11-18-12, 01:16 AM

Welcome to the forum!! Great looking machine, Congrats on the purchase. Enjoy your stay!!!

---Thank you for your contribution to the forum and becoming a supporting member. Its what keeps the forum going!!

K9Caddy

11-18-12, 06:00 AM

Hello Serge!! Welcome to the forum!! Nice looking rides...

soulsea

11-18-12, 11:58 AM

Thanks for the welcome guys.

So I'm trying to get used to the noises of a 'new to me' vehicle, and one of them has me stumped because I didn't have it on my 6.2 Denali. On acceleration, I hear a very faint whining noise from the engine bay. If anyone is old enough to get this reference, it almost sounds like a dynamo rubbing against a bicycle tire. Like I said you can barely hear it, but there it is. Anyone else have this and can confirm or deny if it is normal? Or should I have it taken looked at?

Thanks.

K9Caddy

11-18-12, 12:09 PM

Is there an aftermarket cold air induction system installed? K&N?

soulsea

11-18-12, 01:01 PM

No, bone stock engine.

You don't hear it at idle in Park, unless you really step on the accelerator and then you hear it a tad as the rpm are coming down.
But to the small degree that it's noticeable, it is mostly under acceleration.

----------

Anyway, I'm thinking it's hopefully something as simple as a belt ... I'll ask the service manager next time I happen to drive by a dealership.

On another note. From what i can tell, the base escalade front grille is a separate part of the bumper. Has anyone masked the mesh and colormatched all the chrome, along with the chrome hood molding? I'm thinking this might be a simpler and cheaper way to approximate the look of the 12/13 premium clip.

K9Caddy

11-18-12, 01:59 PM

Could be many things, to include your alternator going bad.

baggedlvintegra

11-18-12, 03:34 PM

Good to see you on this forum and congrats on the DWT Esky!

soulsea

11-18-12, 03:36 PM

Thanks bud ... i told ya I liked WDT Eskys. :)

baggedlvintegra

11-18-12, 04:18 PM

Tried to reply to your PM but this forum is weird you can't PM more than twice in one hour....just trying to help both of us out on this deal, figured it may be worth the time. Just let me know, you can shoot me a text to the # I PM'd whenever.

nathanjax

11-18-12, 05:27 PM

Why hello there kind sir.

soulsea

11-18-12, 06:12 PM

Sup Nathan!

Carneros Red

11-18-12, 10:36 PM

What are your thoughts on the differences between Autoride and Magnetic Ride, having owned the Yukon and Esky?

soulsea

11-18-12, 11:05 PM

The autoride suspension is not that much different than the non-autoride one unless one is towing, at least to me the Tahoe Hybrid and the Denali felt about the same, especially on 22s ... I don't tow so I never really made use of the compressor.

I honestly haven't had time to drive the Esky that much since I bought it, in fact I completely forgot about the magnetic ride and didn't pay attention. My first impression is that the Escalade is somehow stiffer yet more comfortable ... it seems a paradox that I would get both a less 'boaty' feeling yet at the same time a more comfortable drive. Perhaps that is the idea behind it.

But I'll be able to speak to it more intelligently after a couple of weeks and after driving in different environments.

Welcome to the forum, Serge! While we Customer Service representatives are not able to provide much in the way of do-it-yourself information, I'm glad to see you're already getting great feedback from other owners. If you have any questions about recalls or warranty information, or wanted our assistance in locating and working with a dealership, please don't hesitate to contact me via email (Katie_Lucille@gmexpert.com).

Many happy miles,

Katie
Cadillac Customer Service

soulsea

11-19-12, 03:46 PM

Hi Katie,

I think I'm going to pick Lindsay Cadillac in Alexandria VA as my preferred dealer as they seem to have the best reviews in my area.

I'm going to stop by later this week to see if they can identify/remedy this little noise I'm getting on acceleration.

Hopefully they'll sort it out.

Thanks.

nixonride

11-19-12, 04:47 PM

Where you located?....lmk if you wanna get rid of the stock 22's

----------

nevermind...see you just stated your in VA...might cost a lot to ship...but if you looking to get rid of them shoot me a PM

soulsea

11-19-12, 04:56 PM

I'm actually in DC.

I'm still on the fence about whether to sell them, or keep 'em in storage until I sell the truck.

I'll shoot you a PM in a couple of days when I've thought it through.

Cadillac Cust Svc

11-20-12, 11:50 AM

Hi Katie,

I think I'm going to pick Lindsay Cadillac in Alexandria VA as my preferred dealer as they seem to have the best reviews in my area.

I'm going to stop by later this week to see if they can identify/remedy this little noise I'm getting on acceleration.

Hopefully they'll sort it out.

Thanks.

Great! I'm glad you're planning to stop by Lindsay soon and hope you'll keep us updated on your progress. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance in the meantime.

Katie
Cadillac Customer Service

soulsea

11-21-12, 01:43 PM

Quick q if any one knows cause my search skillz have failed me once more ...

I just got my 2013 Nav update flash card and I'm trying to figure out how to swap it for the existing one.

I went to the menu functions and it eventually resolved to something along the lines of 'it is now safe to remove the map data.'

Okay sure, but where and how?

Thanks. :)

K9Caddy

11-21-12, 01:47 PM

The chrome plastic strip below the nav screen pops off. That is where the CF card is located for the flash drive.

soulsea

11-21-12, 02:11 PM

Are you talking about the 3 thin horizontal chrome strips that are at different heights under the nav screen?

----------

I think I see what you mean ... the rectangular trim piece right under the nav screen.

But how do I get it out ... my history of just yanking on things with force has proven poor in terms of strategy.

nathanjax

11-21-12, 02:32 PM

Are you talking about the 3 thin horizontal chrome strips that are at different heights under the nav screen?

----------

I think I see what you mean ... the rectangular trim piece right under the nav screen.

But how do I get it out ... my history of just yanking on things with force has proven poor in terms of strategy.

That butter knife you've been meaning to get would come in handy... lol

K9Caddy

11-21-12, 02:41 PM

Yeah, you need to be careful... Try using a plastic trim tool if you can, it is a pain the rear.

soulsea

11-21-12, 02:49 PM

Okay ... I have to swing by the dealer Friday anyway so I'll just tip someone in the service bay to do it for me along with swapping the console lid.

Thanks K.

K9Caddy

11-21-12, 03:13 PM

The console lid literally takes about 5 minutes. There is only a few screws to remove and can all be done with a basic phillips screwdriver.

soulsea

11-21-12, 03:31 PM

Alright alright, I'll do it myself ... but if somehow set the truck on fire in the process, a stern 'I told you so' will be heading your way.

K9Caddy

11-21-12, 03:43 PM

Haha!! :) If you are not totally declined with a screwdriver, you should be alright!;) There is a full step by step write up here somewhere... Basically, it's the removal of about 8 total screws. 4 of them when you open the cup holder, and like 4 more to remove the lid, IIRC.

soulsea

11-21-12, 04:19 PM

I'm trying to follow these directions without success. http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/cadillac-escalade-ext-esv-forum-2007/246594-center-console-lid-13.html#post3052051

I actually removed all four screws under the aux plugs behind the upholder. The two pieces they attached toguther are separated, but for the life of me I cannot bring the piece that was behind in front. If I pull any harder I'm afraid i'll break something.

What am I doing wrong? :(

----------

Okay so a status report ...

The good news: Escalade is not ablaze.
The bad news: In my last try, I managed to get the two lower screws out and now cannot get them back in, the truck gods have claimed one of the upper screws and it does not reside in our visible universe any more ... i did manage to get one upper screw back on, so hooray me on that front.

Keep in mind this is all just in front of the upholder, the actual bracket is still agonizingly beyond my reach.

So lost a screw, two are barely hanging on, and my fingers hurt ... I think I 'll stop now. :(

soulsea

11-23-12, 09:18 AM

An update on the faint whine issue I was having ... turns out the steering pump is no good so it's being replaced under warranty.

soulsea

11-23-12, 06:25 PM

Check that, it wasn't the steering pump ... they put in a new one and it's still making the noise. :rolleyes:

Take 2 next week.

felixgun

11-26-12, 12:35 AM

Welcome Serge!

soulsea

11-26-12, 12:24 PM

Fedex Santa stopped by ... :)

http://i1052.photobucket.com/albums/s444/soulsea1/Esky/file-2.jpg

I'll swap 'em Wednesday or Thursday.

soulsea

12-07-12, 02:53 PM

Quick pic with the wheels on, sorry it's so dirty it's been raining all night.

http://i1052.photobucket.com/albums/s444/soulsea1/Esky/file-3.jpg

http://i1052.photobucket.com/albums/s444/soulsea1/Esky/file-4.jpg

I have the color matched grille and hood molding, along with chrome tow hooks ready to install (probably this weekend) ... then I'll decide which way I like it more. Although now I'm thinking that with these wheels keeping the chrome front trim might look better.

nathanjax

12-07-12, 06:25 PM

Check that, it wasn't the steering pump ... they put in a new one and it's still making the noise. :rolleyes:

Take 2 next week.

ever figure this out?

soulsea

12-07-12, 06:29 PM

Not yet ... will go back next week to sort it out.

soulsea

12-11-12, 02:26 PM

So I installed the colormatched hood molding and grille and I'm not crazy about it:

http://i1052.photobucket.com/albums/s444/soulsea1/Esky/file-8.jpg

I'm pretty sure I'll put her back the way she was.

lee88

12-11-12, 02:56 PM

I think it looks really good!

MrHolland

12-11-12, 11:14 PM

I agree, looks quite muted. JMHO.

soulsea

12-11-12, 11:25 PM

As a wise man once told me, the mesh gaps on that grille look too small without the chrome surround trim.

The only thing I might try before revering back is keeping the colormatched hood molding but putting the premium grille back.

baggedlvintegra

12-12-12, 08:49 AM

Am I that wise man? lol....Sorry to hear you didn't like the look Serge. With the pics you posted I hate to agree but the colormatched front does kind of look out of place with those new shiny Platinum wheels poking out of the sides.

soulsea

12-13-12, 03:51 PM

Am I that wise man? lol....

Yes you are. :)

Btw, if anyone wants this stuff it is listed here: http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/cadillac-escalade-classified-ads/276857-white-diamond-07-escalade-colormatched-grille.html

soulsea

12-20-12, 04:46 PM

Upper mount lamp full led mod:

http://i1052.photobucket.com/albums/s444/soulsea1/Esky/file-11.jpg

chakde

12-20-12, 04:51 PM

Hey soulsea where did you get the full third brake light?

soulsea

12-20-12, 04:57 PM

I had it custom made.

I hesitate to say by whom cause he registered here to offer his services but (as I understand it) was banned for not wanting to be a paid vendor.

But you can search for 'escalade 3rd light conversion' on hidplanet and a couple of different led experts offer their services there to have this done.

Carneros Red

12-20-12, 05:10 PM

Thanks for posting the picture. Filling out the leds in the 3rd brake light is on my list of things to do. Now that I see the difference it has been moved to #1 especially since I can get someone else to do it. I don't have enough spare time to do it properly myself.

soulsea

12-20-12, 05:12 PM

You're very welcome. :)

I also had it done on my (previous) Denali ... here's a day pic for reference.

Honestly it's not worth any drama ... I can certainly appreciate the reasoning behind expecting someone using the forum to sell their goods/services to be a paid vendor. Some forums are more relaxed in this regard than others. No biggie.

soulsea

12-21-12, 11:08 AM

So here's a fun fact ...

The passenger side rear view mirror is constructed differently than the driver's side. The black plastic trim around the lens itself is much thicker on the driver's side. I'm not really sure why this is but there you have it. :)

soulsea

12-22-12, 12:33 PM

Can someone do a me a quick favor?

Can you stand in front of your truck and look at the rear view mirror on the windshield, and tell me if you can see the harness plug through the front window?

I can see mine and I'm trying to figure out if this is normal or if a cover has fallen off the back of the mirror.

Thanks a bunch.

Carneros Red

12-22-12, 06:27 PM

Does this help?

soulsea

12-22-12, 07:42 PM

CR, I can't really tell on that pic cause the glare is right in that spot. :(

Here's a pic I found of a slightly different mirror without the intellibeam sensor, but basically where the harness connects it looks exactly like mine does:

http://www.bmw-repair.com/ebay/07cadillacescalade/174.jpg

Is it normal to see all that mess of wires, or am I missing some kind of plastic cover?

soulsea

12-24-12, 05:46 PM

5000k V-LED Triton 7440s came in today:

http://i1052.photobucket.com/albums/s444/soulsea1/Esky/file-12.jpg

Ugh, soooo much stuff for just two bulbs.

Carneros Red

12-25-12, 11:39 AM

To answer your other question, all those wires are normal. Sorry the other pic didn't show the detail. Uploads are too limited on resolution for taking quick shots. I'll try again

36dbldz

12-25-12, 11:58 AM

5000k V-LED Triton 7440s came in today:

Ugh, soooo much stuff for just two bulbs.

Let us know how it goes for install and output

soulsea

12-25-12, 12:15 PM

Let us know how it goes for install and output

I will, although right now it's not looking good. The bulb tip is too wide to get through the bulb hole/keyhole, so it looks like in order to make it work I would have to sand the plastic down to get it through there, which quite frankly I shouldn't have to do just to use a bulb. I'm giving v-leds a call tomorrow to see if I'm doing something wrong, if not, they're going back.

----------------------

Thanks CR, no need to take another pic, I trust your word. :)

36dbldz

12-25-12, 12:20 PM

Which light are you trying to use, headlight, fog, daytime ?

soulsea

12-25-12, 12:24 PM

Reverse.

soulsea

12-26-12, 06:53 PM

So I spoke to Bill over at v-leds, who's very nice and tried to help me out ... turns out that 7440 socket/bulb holes are the most inconsistent in the industry, ranging from 16mm to 20mm ... The tritons are on the upper range and the escalade sockets on the lower, so there's no way to make them work. One could hypothetically start sanding down the bulb access hole, but it would need to be sanded so much that there might not be any trim notches left to grab onto the bulb itself, and he advised against this approach. So they're heading back.

36dbldz

12-26-12, 09:09 PM

So I spoke to Bill over at v-leds, who's very nice and tried to help me out ... turns out that 7440 socket/bulb holes are the most inconsistent in the industry, ranging from 16mm to 20mm ... The tritons are on the upper range and the escalade sockets on the lower, so there's no way to make them work. One could hypothetically start sanding down the bulb access hole, but it would need to be sanded so much that there might not be any trim notches left to grab onto the bulb itself, and he advised against this approach. So they're heading back.

Oh well...

mycaddi408

12-29-12, 03:13 PM

Hi there ... :)

I've been reading around for the last few weeks and I have to thank you for the wealth of Escalade related information ... and it's also nice I see some familiar faces. I've been expressing most of my nonsense over the last few years on TYF and hidplanet under the username soulsea, and greenhybrid under the username HyHoe.

OK I understand now, the half painted half chrome on emblem. I found this pic on Ebay. I want to get the 3rd break light like you have. I went to HID planet, hope he gets back to me.

Here is link to pick this guy must have spent a pretty penny doing all these mods, since it is not a platinum. It is obvious when you look at the interior, still nice ride though.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cadillac-Escalade-AWD-4dr-Premium-heated-cooled-leather-sunroof-navigation-dvd-ent-22-/380537630021?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item5899cf6d45

OK I understand now, the half painted half chrome on emblem. I found this pic on Ebay. I want to get the 3rd break light like you have. I went to HID planet, hope he gets back to me.

Here is link to pick this guy must have spent a pretty penny doing all these mods, since it is not a platinum. It is obvious when you look at the interior, still nice ride though.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cadillac-Escalade-AWD-4dr-Premium-heated-cooled-leather-sunroof-navigation-dvd-ent-22-/380537630021?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item5899cf6d45

Not sure what you mean "pretty penny doing all the mods", looks like a stock premium with the platinum headlight option, that combo is a dime a dozen here at the local Cadillac dealer

soulsea

12-29-12, 11:13 PM

Yup, it's actually common to see a 12/13 premium with the led light option, I also see a of 12/13 platinums with the dual exhaust option.

mycaddi408

12-30-12, 02:41 AM

Sorry, I thought it was a used one then I seen 2013. I took a second glance and it comes stock that way, hence the very low mileage.

toygar

12-30-12, 10:30 AM

Soulsea , good job on your tasteful mods.something to diffentiate urs from the other bunch.

soulsea

01-01-13, 03:00 PM

Got some more v-leds goodies yesterday, including these fog bulbs: http://www.v-leds.com/5K-WHITE-6-LED-DRLFOG-p9816978.html (they require a tiny bit of tab trimming around the bulb base)

I just put them on and I'll take some pics tonight ... the drl and park light are as you know a bit more difficult to swap, but at least for now the carpet matches the drapes.

chakde

01-01-13, 03:11 PM

These fog replacement looks good. Looking forward to the pictures.

soulsea

01-01-13, 04:58 PM

http://i1052.photobucket.com/albums/s444/soulsea1/Esky/file-17.jpg

http://i1052.photobucket.com/albums/s444/soulsea1/Esky/file-18.jpg

Keep in mind that I'm using Osram CBI bulbs, which run about 800K higher than the stock Osram 4300K bulbs at around 5000K, so it might not look as uniform on trucks with the stock bulbs ...still closer than halogen tho. :)

Mark Edward Morrison

01-01-13, 07:32 PM

Soulsea, looks like a PERFECT match!!

chakde

01-03-13, 01:19 AM

I like them. I never turn on the fogs as the halogen does not match the headlights. How bright arevthese compared to the halogens?

soulsea

01-11-13, 01:22 PM

I finally had time to drop the truck off to have them find the source of the engine whine I was experiencing at low speeds ... got her back today all fixed up.

It actually took two dealers and some time to diagnose because it's apparently an unusual issue. In the end it turned out to be a faulty water/coolant pump, which was of course replaced under warranty.

She's purring now. :)

ELUSIVE

01-11-13, 02:53 PM

101713

OK I understand now, the half painted half chrome on emblem. I found this pic on Ebay. I want to get the 3rd break light like you have. I went to HID planet, hope he gets back to me.

You can get the clear tails and 3rd brake lights on Ebay or from any Cadillac dealer. They are GM parts.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-19172250-Cadillac-Escalade-2007-2012-Clear-Third-Brake-Lamp-/221018787654?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3375bf0f46&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-19166175-Cadillac-Escalade-Accessory-Clear-Taillamps-2007-2012-/221018213151?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3375b64b1f&vxp=mtr

I have them both on my 2010 ESV:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/17964735/escalade_rear.jpg

soulsea

01-11-13, 02:55 PM

Just to 'clear' ... :)

The clear GM accessory tails/3rd are not the same part as the 12/13 smoked Premium tails/3rd.

ELUSIVE

01-11-13, 02:58 PM

LOL.
True.

And the Ebay 3rd brake light does not light the whole back across like yours...although i'm working on that!

soulsea

01-22-13, 05:00 PM

I had time to have the rest of the v-leds installed:

http://i1052.photobucket.com/albums/s444/soulsea1/Esky/file-23.jpg

The 5202 DRL is also in there, I'll take a pic of tomorrow during the day, but it's basically the same as the others.

ELUSIVE

01-24-13, 08:38 AM

Looks great. I did all 5k vleds except for the DRL which is 6k. I like the bluer look for during the day when no other lights are on.

soulsea

02-12-13, 02:15 PM

Hi ...

Got an offer on the WDT 11 I couldn't refuse, slightly above what I paid for it including the Plat rims, so I needed something to get from point A to point B, and this little girl showed up:

Looks nice. But i do prefer the chrome they omitted.... Otherwise i actually like this grill vs the platinum. For me.

----------

I do have a ? For you soulsea as well..... Seeing as how you have had tahoes and yukons, do you find any ride "refinement" difference or anything at all over those vs the essky?

soulsea

02-21-13, 03:52 PM

Seeing as how you have had tahoes and yukons, do you find any ride "refinement" difference or anything at all over those vs the essky?

Ugh, this is a long answer ... but I'll try to shorten it.

For starters I both love and hate the fact that on my Escalade I don't have to spend an inordinate amount of time and money conceiving and installing a retrofit. Damn those things are expensive, but it was fun process and I learned pretty much all I could handle about automotive lighting.

The Tahoe Hybrid is a SUV that can't really be compared to any other of it's GM cousins. The Two Mode 6.0's combination of power and fuel efficiency is something to behold. Basically faster than any 5.3 and averaged 20mpg on brick shaped SUV. And it has hands down the smoothest shifting transmission of any of them, without so much as a hint of the famous upshift hesitation that plagues the 6.2 trannies. Also being my first of these trucks, I have a special fondness for it. It nearly drove me insane trying to figure out all its little inner design differences to figure out what mods were and were not possible, because so much that appears the same as the regular Tahoe is different, and vice versa. Fitment guides are useless with the Tahoe Hybrid and most of the time aftermarket manufacturers have no idea if their part will fit a Hybrid. It was an exhausting but ultimately very rewarding process ... but to my knowledge I pushed the Hybrid mod envelope as far as it has been pushed.

The Denali was a great truck, and other than getting one of the very rare 09 Tahoes that came with 6.2, it's the only 6.2 available outside of the Escalade. The Yukon front fascia is my least favorite of the three, but the overall luxury and ride quality was a big step up from the Tahoe Hybrid which was equipped like a Tahoe LT with Nav and without Autoride. It was also much simpler to mod than the Hybrid. It also had a lot less mechanical quirks and preoccupying noises than the Hybrid. My 6.2 Blackbear tune made a huge difference and remedied the bogging down tranny.

The Escalades are awesome, although to be honest the first WDT one could have been treated better by the previous owner, hence why I traded it rather quickly for the current one. The ride is a lot more comfortable than the other trucks and obviously the interior finishes are nicer. The 1" larger nav screen makes a big difference. I also just love the 2012/13 dual exhaust setup both for its looks and the way it sounds.

Value wise, I think the Denali is the best compromise of the three trims because you're basically getting a base escalade for a lot less than just the price of the different interior design. You don't get HIDs but you get bigger rims. So if I were buying new that's probably what I'd get. But my current Esky is my favorite SUV to drive and to look at out of all of them. :)

sdgc

02-21-13, 04:26 PM

Fair enough.... I as well was going to go for a Denali, but got a slightly used Esky for less... (didnt even have 10K on it).

RippyPartsDept

02-21-13, 05:13 PM

only difference i can think of related to ride/handling would be if you can get Magneride shocks on the Denali or not
(i'm pretty sure it's the only one that would have it offered)

soulsea

02-21-13, 06:04 PM

No magnetic ride on the Denali, not even as an option.

sdgc

02-21-13, 06:53 PM

Im pretty sure its an option on the Tahoe LTZ and Denali... will have to look it up..

soulsea

02-21-13, 07:01 PM

Im pretty sure its an option on the Tahoe LTZ and Denali... will have to look it up..

Nope ... esky only.

sdgc

02-21-13, 07:54 PM

SOrry, you were right... on the LTZ and Denali it is Autoride Suspension, not MRC.

You have the exact same taste in mods as I do. Looking at your Tahoe and Yukon (which I saw back when I had a Tahoe and was part of the TYF) they look *exactly* like what I would do to mine if I had a Denali or Hybrid. :) We like mods that appear as more of a factory-style upgrade rather than an aftermarket mod.

I would really like to know where you get these 3rd brake lights. I want that on my new Esky. Also, is the 2012 nav screen actually larger? I can't find any info on this anywhere and the ones I've found for sale (with the CF maps) look the same size. Also, can you share which bulbs you purchased for your WDT? I purchased some LEDs for my parking and DRLs but they suck... :(

Was gonna do the Platinum headlights but my parents are sick of me changing things on my cars and I signed a "contract" saying I would not modify anything electrical on this Esky...but I'm 19 and screwed my CTS that way, so this makes sense. Just gonna make my HID housings look the best they can.

soulsea

03-09-13, 06:49 PM

If you go to hidplanet and search for 'escalade 3rd light conversion', the first thread in the search results is authored by the guy who does these for me. Just PM him over there and mention me and he'll give you the lowest possible price.

As far as the nav screen, it's exactly the same size as my 11 and all the other previous years, the only difference is that I don't have the 2nd DVD slot since mine is flash.

Yup yup, it literally takes no more than fifteen minutes to swap it out.

zach2011

03-09-13, 07:00 PM

If you go to hidplanet and search for 'escalade 3rd light conversion', the first thread in the search results is authored by the guy who does these for me. Just PM him over there and mention me and he'll give you the lowest possible price.

As far as the nav screen, it's exactly the same size as my 11 and all the other previous years, the only difference is that I don't have the 2nd DVD slot since mine is flash.

Thanks very much. I, for some reason, thought you were comparing your '11 Esky nav to the '12 in that post regarding the differences between Tahoe/Yukon and Escalade. Lol. Not sure what made me think that. I was considering that swap but for just a CF reader and one DVD slot I will just pass.

Also appreciate the links. I am very tempted to do the Platinum LED mod but I would like to see what your tech did first. I am completely new to wiring things so hopefully he did something easy, because then the upgrade would be feasible for me. No dealers in my area would even consider modifying any factory wiring, as they don't want to be held responsible for any mishaps. I also called a local car audio shop as they are skilled in wiring and such, they also said no.

Do you have any other mods planned for this one?

soulsea

03-09-13, 07:13 PM

Yeah no, I'm sorry if I didn't express it properly, what I meant to convey is that the Escalade nav screens are larger than their Hoe/Yuk counterparts.

As far as other mods ... there's always something evil stewing in the back of my head. :)

soulsea

03-16-13, 09:58 PM

Finally got around to snapping a few output shots of the LED headlights earlier tonight:

Little change of plan ... I'm gonna hold off for a couple of months on the windshield tint.

Right now I would have to have it applied over or cut around my registration/inspection stickers. We're moving to S. Florida soon where, as I understand it, they don't make you have any stickers at all. So rather than having to do it twice, I'll just do it once when I get down there and register the truck.

Hemmissey

03-29-13, 03:29 PM

@soulsea, how much was it? I'm thinking about doing the windshield..

soulsea

03-29-13, 03:38 PM

It was around $50 with shipping.

I bought it here: http://www.tintzoom.com/Llumar-AIR-BLUE80-36-W-x-66-L-Windshield-Piece-p/lairbl80-7836-piece1.htm

I got the 36"x70" for $3 extra to be sure I have enough.

Hemmissey

03-29-13, 04:34 PM

It was around $50 with shipping.

I bought it here: http://www.tintzoom.com/Llumar-AIR-BLUE80-36-W-x-66-L-Windshield-Piece-p/lairbl80-7836-piece1.htm

I got the 36"x70" for $3 extra to be sure I have enough.

Thanks soulsea

soulsea

04-03-13, 07:53 PM

Okay so I finally got around of swapping my headlights back to the HID ones, and I took the opportunity to try a little experiment.

Instead of putting the LED bulbs I had been using before for DRL and Park lights I tried out a couple of sets of blue coated filament bulbs. Now blue coated halogen bulbs to get a whiter light in low/high beams is never a good idea because it robs the output of lumens. But in non critical lighting like DRL/Park it is more than acceptable. The idea for this experiment is simple ... I wanted to see if a similar effect to LEDs could be achieved without the potential drawbacks of LED PnP bulbs, especially the potential for heat runaway issues.

I know the second pic isn't as good as the first one, nevertheless, here's my impression from looking at them in RL ...

I was pleasantly surprised how close the color temperature of the filament bulbs matched that of both the LEDs and 5000K HIDs. The main difference tween the filament bulbs and the HIDs is that the LEDs are slightly brighter, wheras the filament bulbs are the same intensity as our stock bulbs with a whiter light.

Anyhoot, I'm glad I did it cause they turned out well. I think I'm going to keep them cause I found myself stressing on long drives with my LED DRLs on that they were going to melt themselves, and with summer coming up and me moving to Florida soon that stress would have gotten worse. They're not as bright as LEDs but they work for me.

zach2011

04-03-13, 09:24 PM

Why were you worried about LEDs melting themselves? LEDs produce very minimal, if not zero, heat. HIDs would be a concern as they generate heat and quite a bit more than regular bulbs.

Thank you for showing us the pics. I like the uniformity of the lights on your previous vehicle. What did you think of the Osram 5000k? From other pics I've seen they look like a major improvement over stock.

soulsea

04-03-13, 09:36 PM

Actually Zach it is the opposite ... watt per watt, LEDS run MUCH hotter than HID.

For example an HID projector module requires no heatsinking, whereas a comparable LED module requires massive heatsinking to run as a low/high beam. I have seen these projector modules in person and they are massive and weigh a ton, more heat dissipating material and fins than projector: http://www.hella.com/MicroSite/soe/sites/default/files/J00353_KI_90mm_Premium_GB.pdf It's also why the Platinum LED headlamps have a built in active ventilation system in them and the HID ones don't.

Likewise with filament bulbs ... Nokya just came out with the first legit OE replacement bulb for 5202, notice the heatsinks required compared to the filament Nokya 5202 bulbs I bought which require none:

I love the CBI bulbs, especially after their standard 20hr 'break in' time where they really come into their own. They are the only OE 5000K bulbs that doesn't lose any lumens going from 4300K to 5000K.

CuttThroat187

08-24-13, 09:22 AM

Can someone send me the link to the 5k Parking light bulbs that I should get from VLEDS. I think the ones I need are http://www.vleds.com/bulb/194-168-158-led/5k-white-led/5k-white-10-led-light-bulbs-194-158-168-2825-1-pair.html
Standard or CAN-Bus

soulsea

08-24-13, 01:36 PM

^ Those are good, u no need canbus.

soulsea

03-28-14, 05:08 PM

Well, after four SUVs my GMT900 run is over ...

I had gone to my local LR dealer and had tentatively put my name down for the next V8 Supercharged allocation, and was going to wait till July/August for my truck. I got a phone call yesterday that someone backed out of purchasing a just delivered one, so I stepped in and bought it.

- Not crazy about the new Escalade redesign, especially the tails.
- The LR dealer was selling a 2014 used one with less options and 10k miles for more money. They are not allowed to mark the new ones up, but the demand is so high that used ones are selling for more than new. So as long as you can find one and can afford it, it is essentially a free car for at least a year.
- My Esky was about to depreciate more with the new ones about to hit the lots and they gave me very good $ for the trade in.
- Most significantly, I love how it looks and drives, the fit and finish, and especially the 510HP and 20" brakes.

I guess I'll show myself out now. :(

If I'm allowed to loiter around I'm happy to help out any GMT900 folks with questions. :)

emay

03-28-14, 05:12 PM

Congrats Soulsea, I wondered what you were up to now..

amtrucker22

03-28-14, 05:13 PM

You know you can't leave!

soulsea

03-28-14, 06:40 PM

Aw shucks ... I guess I'll hang around for a while. :)

This is what she'll look like with the new rims btw:

http://photos.ecarlist.com/3g/8h/Cq/GU/oT/tu/oG/kt/ih/k3/RA_800.jpg

Mark Edward Morrison

03-28-14, 06:51 PM

soulsea, I hope you don't go for a while, I will miss your superior knowledge and your humor!! I love Cadillac's to the end but your new ride is SWEET! 500+ hp, forget about it.... Very Nice my man and well done Sir, well done...

evois

03-28-14, 07:57 PM

congrats soulsea on the purchase of the FFRR L405. I'll see you around at rangerovers.net;) I have a RRS as well. but will be keeping my hybrid however.

soulsea

03-28-14, 08:01 PM

I posted a couple posts over there on the Range Rover Mark IV / L405 sub forum ... it's much slower than here tho.

And thank you evois, you've probably known of my GMT900 travels more than anyone else, including my first hybrid love. :)

congrats! that is tempting! I have been wanting to replace my escalade hybrid and had the opportunity to take a pre-ordered one as well but needed a SUV with a driving range of 500 miles. I jokingly told my dealer what if both my range rover were in the shop, will I end up driving my honda pilot?

texas1

03-31-14, 08:19 PM

Love the new ride but will miss your superior knowledge in lighting and great taste on modds noooooo dont leave who will guide us now in to the next gen.:suspense: